“We are putting an end to this regime”: With this phrase a group of more than ten officers of the armed forces of Gabon suddenly appeared in the early hours of this morning in front of the cameras of the state television, which has its headquarters next to the presidency, and a member of it read a statement stating that the elections are canceled and “all the institutions of the Republic” are catalyzed.

Speaking of “irresponsible” and “unpredictable” governance, which led to “a continuous deterioration of social cohesion, which threatened to lead the country into chaos”, they announced that “we have decided to defend peace by ending this regime” and added how they are canceling the results of Saturday’s election, in which President Ali Bongo was declared the winner.

At the same time, he announced that the borders are closed indefinitely. “The borders will remain closed until further notice,” said a member of the team of officers reading a written statement on behalf of the “Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions.” As he stated, he represents all the arms of the armed forces and all the security forces.

Journalists from Agence France-Presse and Reuters news agency report that as the military spoke, heavy gunfire was heard in the capital, Libreville.

The military coup was announced shortly after the Electoral Commission announced that President Ali Bongo had secured a third consecutive term in the elections by securing 64.27% of the vote, beating his opponent Albert Odo Osa, who received 30.77%. Albert Odo Osa denounced “fraud by the Bongo camp” two hours before the polls closed on Saturday, declaring himself the winner.